The activities of “Dubai Future Financial Sector Week” were launched in Dubai, with wide participation from leaders of financial institutions, policy makers, investors and international experts, to discuss the digital transformations taking place in the sector, the future of sustainable finance, and the role of artificial intelligence in developing financial services, in addition to exploring investment opportunities in private markets and emerging technologies, at a time when the emirate seeks to strengthen its position among the most prominent global financial centers.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and President of the Dubai International Financial Centre, witnessed the opening of the week, whose activities continue until November 6, with the participation of more than a thousand speakers, across 100 specialized events and 12 major forums.
Maktoum bin Mohammed stressed that Dubai continues to develop a financial system that combines advanced infrastructure, flexible legislation, innovation, and specialized competencies, in a way that supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda “D33” and enhances the emirate’s position among the most prominent global financial centers.
During the Dubai FinTech Summit, Arif Amiri, CEO of the Dubai International Financial Center Authority, announced that the number of companies working in the fields of artificial intelligence, financial technology and innovation within the center’s system exceeded two thousand companies, in an indication of the acceleration of the growth of the digital financial sector in the emirate.
He pointed out that the center is working to create the necessary components for the next stage of growth, thus strengthening Dubai’s position as a global center for financial technology, and supporting the expansion of emerging companies into international markets.
In a related context, the Center, in cooperation with Asia House, revealed the “Digital Economy 2.0” report, which expected global spending on technology to reach $5.6 trillion in 2026, and that artificial intelligence would contribute about $22.3 trillion to the global economy by 2030, while the value of the global financial technology market is expected to reach $1.5 trillion by the same year.
The week's activities covered climate change financing, alternative investments, private capital, Islamic finance, wealth management and digital assets.
The Center announced that the 29 founding partners of the “One Million Learners” initiative succeeded in reaching more than 130,000 learners during 2026, as part of an initiative that aims to qualify one million people in the fields of sustainability and sustainable finance by 2030.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum witnessed the announcement of the expansion of the Dubai International Financial Center Academy tenfold, to reach an area of 370,000 square feet, within the “Zabeel District” project, with a capacity of more than 50,000 learners annually by 2030.
On the other hand, the “Edelman Trust 2026” report revealed that 92 percent of consumers in Saudi Arabia consider trust and reputation a decisive factor in purchasing decisions, with the increasing influence of social values and personal identity on consumer behavior.
Finally, the Soho Square area in Sharm El Sheikh is preparing to host a celebration of lighting Christmas decorations on November 27, with the participation of artist Myriam Fares and the American band Sister Sledge, as part of stimulating winter tourism.
